Erie Elm St. program seeks grant for improvements

August 2, 2012 07:30 AM

August 2, 2012 07:30 AM

Some east Erie homeowners looking to improve their homes could soon have new resources to draw from.

WHAT HAPPENED: Erie City Council on Wednesday agreed to request a $350,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development's Keystone Communities Elm Street Program, on behalf of the Snoops Neighborhood Organization Elm Street Program.

The state's Elm Street program aims to revitalize neighborhoods near downtowns; the Snoops organization covers the area of East 12th to East 15th streets from French to Wayne streets.

What it means: The Snoops organization is asking for $250,000 for various neighborhood and home improvement programs, including programs for sidewalk repair, facade improvement, roof repair and gutter replacement, emergency home repairs and park and streetscape improvements.

Another $100,000 would be used to fund the operation of the local program, specifically to increase the position of program manager from part time to full time for two years and for other operational costs, said Dave Deter, the city's assistant director of economic and community development.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Snoops organization should find out this fall if the grant application has been approved. People are already on waiting lists to take advantage of some of the programs should funding be received, Deter said.